DeKalb police increasing patrol near site of proposed APD training facility

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — If you’re in DeKalb County on Friday evening, you may see more patrol cars in the area than usual.

The DeKalb County Police Department announced on Friday afternoon that they would have extra patrols in the neighborhoods surrounding Intrenchment Creek. They say these neighborhoods include Fayetteville Road, Key Road and Constitution Road.

Police officials did not comment on why they are increasing patrols in that area, saying only the department “prioritizes the safety of our community.”

Channel 2′s Richard Elliot spoke with DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos who says they’re increasing patrols because there’s strength in numbers.

“We really need to have the strength in numbers to actually make some progress is making sure everybody is safe in the community,” she explained.

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The streets officials mentioned surround the area where a Georgia State Patrol trooper was shot and a protester was killed near the site of a proposed Atlanta police training facility on Wednesday.

Manuel Esteban Paez Teran, 26, was killed Wednesday after he shot a trooper conducting a clearing raid in the woods that protesters have been occupying for months. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Teran shot at troopers without warning, critically injuring one.

Channel 2 Action News has learned that a vigil for Teran has been planned in the area for 6 p.m. on Friday.

The governor’s office told Elliot that state law enforcement is actively monitoring for verifiable threats and have security teams at the ready.

RELATED STORIES:

• Friend of protester killed by troopers at site of proposed police facility defends them
• Trooper recovering, shooter dead after raid at proposed APD training facility, GBI says
• ‘We need an independent investigation:’ Protest supporter says those arrested did not deserve it
• Protesters arrested after chucking Molotov cocktail at police over planned APD training facility

The trooper is not being identified out of concern for his safety, but is stable after surgery, GSP said.

On Thursday night, Atlanta police issued a statement, saying:

“Our officers are on high alert, and we will continue our work to keep our streets safe for our residents, businesses, and visitors alike. We remain in close contact with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners and are grateful for their commitment to our shared goal of creating the safest communities possible for our city.”

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IN RELATED NEWS:

Atlanta police on ‘high alert’ due to threats of violence after protester killed by troopers

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